Breakin' Down The 08-09 NBA Rookies

A Breakin' Down The Game Special

There were few surprises in the 2008 NBA Draft.  2008 marks the first time when the first three picks of the draft were all Freshmen.  The first two picks were just short of obvious; with a few people saying Miami might skip over Beasley and take OJ Majo with the No. 2 pick. 

However, they didn’t, and went with the more sure thing.  Even with the already crowded backcourt in Chicago, the Bulls selected Derrick Rose with the No. 1 pick. 

When the Wolves picked up OJ Mayo at No. 3, they traded him for Kevin Love (the  sixth pick) and throw-in Mike Miller (who gives them another 3-point shooter around Al Jefferson). 

After that, most picks were deemed solid picks, with only a few questionable ones including the Knicks selecting Danillo Gallinari, and the Bobcats grabbing DJ Augustine, over the 7-footer Brook Lopez. 

For a full breakdown and grades on each pick, you can revisit Chad Ford’s Team Grades. 

As expected, the Rookie of the Year talks began right after the draft, with Michael Beasley being the favorite, and Derrick Rose shortly behind. 

Also in the top three choices was last year’s No. 1 pick, Greg Oden. Because he hasn’t played a single game, he is still considered a rookie and therefore eligible to win the award. 

A sleeper pick for the award, is Spain’s Rudy Fernandez, who is best known for this dunk

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